Onground Color Theory

Version 1

Exercise 1 : tint/tone/shade gradations.

Exercise 2 : value gradations in a MONOCHROMATIC/FORMAL comp

Format: Digital format: 600 x 800 72 dpi jpg or gif. Non-Digital format: 8.5 x 11" mounted, cropped to the edge of the image

Graded on overall excellence of design, execution, range of values.

 

Student Gallery

Version 2

PROJECT 1 : Create an original monochromatic composition that is based upon the idea of birth. Subject matter and media are open.

FORMAT :Digital format: 600 x 800 72 dpi jpg.
Analog format: 8.5 x 11" mounted, cropped to the edge of the image.

Graded on overall excellence of design, range of values.

def:The emergence and separation of offspring from the body of the mother. A beginning or commencement.Synonyms: commencement, dawn, dawning, emergence, fountainhead, genesis, onset, opening, origin, outset, rise, source, start. Antonyms: conclusion, ending, finale, finish, death, decease, passing. Concept: starting

Analysis/Procedure:Below is an illustration, a birth cliche that I did years ago that came to mind for a project model. I liked the fact that it is original, and combines equations with new beginnings. The drawback to using this, however, is there is no range of values. 

I went to Google and typed in BIRTH for an image search. (I also went to the online dictionary and thesaurus and looked at the definitions for birth to assist in brainstorming)

NOTE 1: The rule for this class as regards appropriated imagery: stay away from someone else's illustration. How would you feel after working hard on an original comp to have some else steal it? The exception is if the illustration plays a minor role in in YOUR final comp.Photos seem more acceptable as long as they are generic.

NOTE 2: These recommendations are for class projects only. In the commercial world you would never use images appropriated from a google search. You would have your employer provide you with raw material.
I found an image (noting it was VERY cliche and therefore almost immediately boring) and decided to try and make it work in a montage. I would recommend working in a montage mode for this class. It allows you to combine several found elements into an original comp, and shows effort. To take this photo, adjust the levels and submit it as a final version would be unacceptable, demonstrating no effort or creativity.
I found three other images, combined them with the illustration, and created the montage below.

PHOTOSHOP STEPS FOR CREATING A MONTAGE

1. create a canvas 600 x 800 72 dpi
2. find several images related to the theme.
3. drag them onto this canvas and edit into a comp, using selection tools, opacity and careful use of filters.
4. colorize
5. adjust levels
6. save for web as a jpg, 600 x 800 72 dpi.

BASIC PHOTOSHOP TOOLS

layers
selection
transform
blur
levels
image adjust hue/saturation

Note keystrokes for these commands speed up the creative process.The previous description/demo has been an example. Please feel free to do something completely different. Use these projects as portfolio pieces, a place for you to experiment with your own ideas and iconography.see also: cools project for color ranges, both good and bad examples.

More Photoshop tips

STEPS FOR GRADATIONS

1. create a canvas 600 x 800 72 dpi
2. open the layer window and create a new layer
3. create a rectangle or square using the selection tool
4. choose a color from the picker and fill the selection
5. duplicate the layer
6. open IMAGE ADJUST HUE SATURATION and change the number in the appropriate slider in equal increments.
   label with title and name
7. SAVE FOR WEB as a jpg or gif9.
8. bring to class on a zip, cd, orusb drive, have ready on the transfer drive to transfer to the desktop for critique next week/BASIC PHOTOSHOP
   

TOOLS

1. layers
2. selection
3. transform
4. blur
5. levels
6. image adjust hue/saturation
7. SAVE FOR WEB
8. opacity
9. magic wand
10. text
11. magnifying glass
12. Note keystrokes for these commands speed up the creative process

tip 1

tip 2